Genealogy Chat

To obtain service records from World War Two if both the individual themselves and their spouse have died, you have to be a 'legal next of kin'. Does anyone know who this would be? Would it automatically be the oldest sibling?? How would you prove next of kinship. Would a birth certificate be needed? I am asking because I am trying to find out if any of the deceased children would be recognised as a legal next of kin? Regards Sian

Hi I have a feeling I might be wrong and I'm sure someone else will know, but if the soldier was unmarried then his parents would be the next of kin but if married then his wife and any children. Not totally sure though George

Yes George, that was correct. Sue C.

Hi Georgina Yes I would think myself that any children could be next of kin if the soldiers wife was dead but it's this 'legal next of kin' Can't find anything about it that makes me wonder that it would have to be a person nominated before the ex serviceman died. It's my dads service records that I am after and I'm not the oldest. Do people have to have a declared next of kin? I haven't! Sian

Sian, Yes children were next of kin but ony adult kids. It would then move to the soildiers Brother or Sister.

The problem with that is the person nominated is probably dead. George

Sian, Your problem might arise from there being a chosen next of kin by him, and you are not that person, it san get complicated but not impossible Sue C.

Thanks Susan i will try and see if they will let me have the records then. I was also interested in medical records for my nana who died in 1968. I have her death certificate and the name of the hospital where she died but I don't know if I would be able to get these, being a grand-daughter.She has one surviving daughter but I don't want to trouble her. Cheers Sian

Hi again Susan Oh I see what you mean. There probably was a chosen next of kin for my Dad before he died that being my sister. I'm not sure though. If that was the case I guess that rules out getting the records myself?

MY Guess is your mums d/ cert and your b/ cert should be enough if it is just record info you are after.I am pretty sure your mum's permission or death has to be proved first. Sue C.

Hi again both It sound like it could be complicated but I will give it a go and see what they say. Cheers Sian

SIAN, This is the M O D you are dealing with they have thought for so long that they were called G O D They really think they are and just do what they like so any thing is worth a try

Susan Sounds about right! and it's not as if i'm after anything top secret. Sian

Sian, I have just applied for my father's WW2 records, which are costing me £25 from Glasgow. My father died some years ago, my mother before him and I have an elder brother but they seem happy to disclose the information to me. The form had spaces for various people going down from spouse and the next of kin had to sign if they were not the person applying. But I have claimed equal rights with my brother and signed. Hope that makes sense. Elisabeth

Thanks Elizabeth That's most helpful.That means that they will give me the records as my situation is the same as yours. How did you 'prove'kinship? ie what do they need? Also what sort of records did they send you? Sian

Sian I rang the Glasgow records office (for Army Records) and they sent me a form. They need as much information as possible, like service number, regiment etc. Then there was another form which had to be signed by the next of kin. I considered myself to be equal with my brother so I signed. It is going to take up to 6 months I think. When I have got the records I can apply for the medal/s Dad didn't bother to claim for WW2. I can't do that until I have the confirmation from Glasgow though. Government departments grind exceedingly slowly!! Elisabeth

Sian, I had to prove that Dad had died, i.e. death certificate and just signed to say who I was. I considered sending copies of my birth and marriage certificates but didn't in the end. Elisabeth

Hi again Elizabeth I'll give them a ring and get the form. Have you paid your £25?, meaning if they have accepted your cheque, they must have accepted you as next of kin? It's mad that it takes so long!! Sian

ps would that be the actual death cert or a photocopy? Sian

Sian, I have sent my cheque but I don't think it has gone through the bank yet. It does say to send a photocopy, not the original.(Death certificate) You don't need to send it if the soldier was born before 1902. My Dad was born in 1896 but I still sent it, to be sure they knew who I was talking about. I also had his service number as I have lots of documents from his WW1 service!! If you need any more information. Email me and I will help. Elisabeth